Familiar Letters

He praises Leonard

vigorous in body, pleasant in appearance, clear in science, singular in eloquence; excellent in Latin letters and not moderately in Greek. And what is more precious than all else, outstanding in integrity of faith and singular goodness. Concerning all of which, although you may see many things and perhaps have perceived all, I nevertheless am a truthful and most faithful witness to you. For since I have long since received him as a son, and he has given himself entirely to me in domestic conversation, I know him entirely and have examined him entirely; nor could he have been hidden from me in anything for so long a time.

Friends ought to share all things with one another

Our habit was continuous and studious. And since I was the judge of everything that he would compose, and he the arbiter of my things, in turn, we sharpened one another just as iron is sharpened by iron. I could not easily say which of us profited more from this sweet and honest companionship. Yet both became more learned, so that I must admit that we were, in turn, students and teachers to one another. In the memory of which, while writing these things, I am too moved, since I know myself to be deprived of such a companion and such a defense. We were held with the greatest certainty that our authority would agree on any matter. Now, however, I neither have what I might teach, nor even from whom I might learn. But enough of this. To your honor, indeed, it is fitting that I put my own inconveniences aside. Thus, let the speech return to our Leonard for a conclusion. You have a man most fit for great things, a man of faith